They say you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. While I think this statement is true to an extent, I think it applied better a few decades ago, before we became an increasingly casual culture where sneakers and jeans are now considered the norm.

Men, like their shoes, have undergone a style revolution. A smart suit, sleek hair and close shave is no longer the pinnacle of sophistication. Men are embracing as much diversity in dress code and appearance as women. Whether it’s a buzz cut, a beard, a moustache or some 5 o’clock shadow; men everywhere are challenging the conventions of what it means to be a dapper man.

One thing is for sure though, you can tell a lot about a man by how well he looks after his skin.

Men, unlike women have not yet made mainstream wearing makeup as coverup for any breakouts or blemishes. A woman is lucky that she can hide a pimple or her dark circles under her eyes with some powerful concealer, however, a man doesn’t have anything to hide behind, which is why he needs to be meticulous with his skincare regime.

Here are some tips to help the man in your life master their skincare regime:

Don’t shave against the grain

Most men shave against the direction of their hair growth with the belief that it will get them a closer shave. By doing this the blade often nicks the buried surface of the hair follicle creating inflammation. For the best result, shave in the direction that feels smooth. Also, try and shave in precise sweeping motions to avoid repeating the same area over and over.

Pick the right razor

Ever suffered an ingrown hair or are you prone to micro wounds from your shaving technique? It’s probably down to your choice of razor. While the market is saturated with ‘new and improved’ razors, whether they be four or five blade, electric or old school in design, it’s important to match your razor with your skin concerns. Do your homework and find a razor that’s right for you. A very important point, is to make sure your razor blades are changed regularly. Razors collect micro amounts of your skin, so you need to clean and replace them regularly to avoid any infections.

Avoid aftershave and other gimmicky scented products

Remember the burn that aftershave gave you after your first shave? Well that stinging sensation and aggressively over-scented product is actually very harmful for you, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin. Take time to familiarise yourself with product ingredients. Many of these male-targeted products contain dyes and parabens that can aggravate your skin. Instead, opt for a hydrating moisturiser.

Slip, slop and slap

If there is one product every guy should use, it is sunscreen. No matter how masculine you are, you can’t avoid being exposed to sun damage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors (even if it’s Winter and overcast outside) you are still being exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. At Face Plus we recommend a minimum of 30 SPF.